Holi, the Hindu festival of colours - in pictures

  • People celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, in Hyderabad, India. AP
    People celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, in Hyderabad, India. AP
  • The festival heralds the arrival of spring and, for many Hindus, the triumph of good over evil. EPA
    The festival heralds the arrival of spring and, for many Hindus, the triumph of good over evil. EPA
  • An Indian widow throws flower petals while participating in Holi celebrations in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. EPA
    An Indian widow throws flower petals while participating in Holi celebrations in Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh. EPA
  • The festival is being held for the first time in two years due Covid-19 restrictions. EPA
    The festival is being held for the first time in two years due Covid-19 restrictions. EPA
  • Many states introduced restrictions on public gatherings as India battled a surge in Covid-19 infections. EPA
    Many states introduced restrictions on public gatherings as India battled a surge in Covid-19 infections. EPA
  • Holi is held in March on the full moon night known as Phalgun Purnima on the Hindu calendar. EPA
    Holi is held in March on the full moon night known as Phalgun Purnima on the Hindu calendar. EPA
  • While the first night is usually dedicated to more sombre rituals, it is on the second day when the vibrant celebrations begin. EPA
    While the first night is usually dedicated to more sombre rituals, it is on the second day when the vibrant celebrations begin. EPA
  • The festival is marked by raucous parties where people throw and smear coloured powder on each other. EPA
    The festival is marked by raucous parties where people throw and smear coloured powder on each other. EPA
  • In different parts of India, Holi is adapted to various cultures. Reuters
    In different parts of India, Holi is adapted to various cultures. Reuters
  • Holi celebrations at Priyakant Ju Temple in Vrindavan. AFP
    Holi celebrations at Priyakant Ju Temple in Vrindavan. AFP
  • Police officers smeared with coloured powder walk in the crowd as revellers celebrate Holi in Kathmandu, Nepal. AFP
    Police officers smeared with coloured powder walk in the crowd as revellers celebrate Holi in Kathmandu, Nepal. AFP
  • A youth dressed as Lord Krishna takes part in Holi celebrations in Kolkata, India. AFP
    A youth dressed as Lord Krishna takes part in Holi celebrations in Kolkata, India. AFP
  • A widow sits in a temple as she participates in Holi celebrations in Vrindavan. AFP
    A widow sits in a temple as she participates in Holi celebrations in Vrindavan. AFP
  • A woman lights incense while offering prayers during the Holi festival in Bhaktapur, Nepal. AP
    A woman lights incense while offering prayers during the Holi festival in Bhaktapur, Nepal. AP